This major project is aimed at developing new aquaculture vaccines, of which BigDNAs proprietary phage M13 based chimeric vaccine technology, will be part.
The Framework 7 Targetfish Project, which lasts for five years, includes 30 collaborators, both industrial and academic, across 10 EU countries, and aims to develop affordable and effective vaccines against a range of economically important fish diseases, including those affecting salmon, trout and sea bass, amongst others.
Scotland is particularly well represented in the Project which involves four Scottish-based commercial companies and research institutes, of which Big DNA Ltd is one, and, which lays testament to the expertise available in the country for commercial aquaculture.
Dr John March (pictured), CEO of Big DNA commented: We are delighted to be part of this significant European initiative, which recognises the potential of our chimeric M13 phage-based vaccine technology for use in applications such as aquaculture. This further expands the utility of our platform technology in addition to our core interest in developing human healthcare products.
Rhona Alison, senior director of life sciences, Scottish Enterprise, said: "This news is very exciting for both Scottish Life Sciences and Big DNA. The level of Scottish participation as a whole in this European programme underlines the strength of the aquaculture sector here and builds on Scotland's increasing reputation as a leading international hub of life sciences expertise."
Big DNA has developed fish vaccines which are able to be administered through immersing the fish in tanks of water containing the vaccines, thus eliminating the need for use of needles which can damage the fish.
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Further ReadingYou can view more on the project by clicking here. |
